A Journey Through Time

Explore the History of the oldest cities in North Africa.

Monuments , Memory & the Art of Civilisation

— Heritage of the Maghreb

Morocco, a melting pot of dynasties and cultures :

Each country has its own history: historical facts, events and important milestones that gave the country its true historical value. The history of a country is one of the events considered worthy of remembrance, which perfectly applies to Morocco. With several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years: the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with several types of heritage recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, the most fascinated by nature, history, the art of living and Moroccan hospitality. The experience gained during their journeys in Morocco leave them pleasantly satisfied with their stay.

· 859 AD · Fez

University of Al-Qarawiyyinfirst university in the world

Then — 1900s Al-Qarawiyyin

Now — 2026 Al-Qarawiyyin modern

Historical ContextFounded by Fatima al-Fihri as a mosque with an associated madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world. It became a major spiritual and educational center of the historic Muslim world.

Why It EnduresNestled in the heart of the labyrinthine medina of Fez, its stunning green-tiled roofs and intricately carved stucco remain a marvel of Moroccan architecture. It continues to function as both a mosque and a university, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Islamic scholarship.

· 1147 AD · Marrackech

Koutoubia MosqueJamaa Lafna

Then — 1900s Koutoubia

Now — 2026 Koutoubia modern

Historical ContextBuilt under Caliph Abd al-Mu'min after the Almohad conquest, the Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Marrakech. Its name derives from the booksellers' market that once surrounded it. The 69-metre minaret became the architectural blueprint for the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat.

Why It EnduresThe minaret is crowned with three gilded copper orbs of diminishing size, known as jamour — legend holds that they were forged from Yacoub el-Mansour's wife's jewellery as penance. UNESCO has recognized the Marrakech medina, anchored by Koutoubia, as a World Heritage Site.

· 1195 AD · Rabat

Hassan TowerHassan — The Unfinished Minaret

Then — 1900s Hassan

Now — 2024 Hassan Tower modern

Historical ContextSultan Yacoub el-Mansour commissioned what was to be the world's largest mosque and minaret in 1195. At his death in 1199 construction halted — the tower stood at only 44 metres of a planned 86. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake toppled the mosque's columns.

Why It EnduresThe red sandstone tower, covered in intricate geometric arabesques, stands opposite the Mausoleum of Mohammed V . The site is an open-air monument to Moroccan architectural heritage.

· 1770 AD · Casablanca

Hassan II MosqueMasjid al-Hasan al-Tani

>constructed — 1986 mosque

Now — 2026 mosque modern

Historical ContextKing Hassan II commissioned French architect Michel Pinseau to design a mosque partially built over the Atlantic Ocean — fulfilling a Quranic verse that "God's throne was built on water." Completed in 1993, over 6,000 Moroccan craftsmen worked for six years on its interior.

Why It EnduresThe 210-metre minaret is the tallest religious structure on Earth. Its retractable roof opens to the sky, its floor is made of glass to reveal the ocean below, and its laser beacon points toward Mecca. It can accommodate 105,000 worshippers — 25,000 inside and 80,000 in the esplanade.

· 1540 AD · Agadir

AgadirThe Modern city

Then — Before 1960 Agadir Oufella

Now — 2026 Agadir modern

Historical ContextConstructed by the Saadian Sultan Mohammed ech-Cheikh, the hilltop fortress of Agadir Oufella was originally built to defend the city against Portuguese incursions. For centuries, it housed a vibrant citadel complete with winding streets, mosques, and a thriving local community.

Why It EnduresTragically, the original citadel was destroyed in the devastating 1960 earthquake, leaving only the outer walls. Today, bearing the illuminated Arabic inscription "God, Nation, King," the recently restored ramparts stand as a poignant memorial and a symbol of Agadir's resilience and rebirth.

· 1684 AD · Tangier

Tanger Dar el Makhzen

Then — 1900s Dar el Makhzen

Now — 2026 Dar el Makhzen modern

Historical ContextBuilt by Sultan Moulay Ismail following the evacuation of the British from Tangier, this palace was strategically placed on the highest point of the city. It served as the residence for the sultans of Morocco during their stays in the North and housed the governor's courts.

Why It EnduresOverlooking the Medina and the Strait of Gibraltar, the palace is now a museum of Moroccan arts and antiquities. Its stunning zellij tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and Andalusian gardens stand as a testament to Tangier's role as the historic gateway between Africa and Europe.

· 1765 AD · Essaouira

Essaouira — MogadorSkala of the city

Then — 1900s Skala de la Ville

Now — 2026 Skala de la Ville modern

Historical ContextCommissioned by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, the city's fortifications were designed by the French military architect Théodore Cornut. The Skala de la Ville was built to defend the vital trading port against sea-borne threats, blending European military architecture with North African aesthetics.

Why It EnduresLined with ornate Spanish and Portuguese brass cannons, the ramparts offer sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Skala remains fully intact and is a central feature of Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina, famously serving as the backdrop for the city of Astapor in Game of Thrones.